If you’ve lived in the area long enough to have become a library card holder, then you know that there are plenty of other ways to use your library card besides checking out books.
In fact, the library has so much more to offer than books and many of the things they offer are free!
The following 10 Ways to Use the Library Besides Borrowing Books!
10 Ways to Use the Library Besides Borrowing Books
We hope they can help inspire you and make your life easier, too!
1) Get a Library Card
You can get a library card for free if you live in Marion County and are 18 or older. You’ll need ID and proof of current address.
To get a library card, visit any branch, fill out an application, and show two forms of identification: one with your name on it, and another that has your name and current address on it.
If you don’t have both pieces of identification, we can help you find one that does.
2) Attend Events
Attending events at your local library not only give you a chance to meet other people and learn more about your community, but they also offer a lot of services that you can take advantage of.
Plus, it is a great way to showcase your product or service to potential customers.
You might even find out about some new opportunities to grow your business in the process! Plus, Reading groups are another excellent way to get involved with the library.
You can use these groups as an opportunity to bond with others in your community while learning something new!
Come up with a time for meeting and plan out what books you will be reading together.
3) Join a Book Club
Join a book club at your local library for an opportunity to learn about new books, get recommendations from other readers, and share your own thoughts.
It’s a great way to expand your reading horizons and meet people who enjoy reading just as much as you do! The clubs are free and open to all adults in the community.
Join the next meeting and stop by and see what it’s all about. Find out if there is anything new coming up in the theater:
New books are being released all of the time, but you can’t always find out when they’re coming out until it’s too late!
4) Volunteer
Volunteer at your library- one of my favourite ways to use the library is by volunteering. In return for a few hours of your time, you get great experience and make friends with other librarians.
You’ll also feel good knowing that you’re helping keep libraries alive in this digital age.
Take classes:
There are a ton of classes offered through your local library on everything from pottery to cooking.
Get help:
Sometimes we just need someone else’s perspective or opinion on things, but don’t have anyone to turn too – our librarians can be there for us.
Research:
I’m often tasked with finding sources for research papers and articles related to my subject area; our databases are invaluable in such situations.
5) Check Out eBooks and Audio books
Check out eBooks and audio books through your library’s website or app. You can use a tablet, Kindle, smartphone, or other mobile device. Or you can check out a laptop at most branches.
You have up to six weeks to read an eBook and up to two weeks for an audiobook. And there are more than one million titles available – with more added every day!
6) Use the Computers
The library has computers that can be used for a variety of things. You can use them to do research, write papers, or even create presentations.
If you have an email account through the university, you can log on using your login and password and then save attachments directly to your computer.
For those without an account, you are able to print emails from this service as well.
If you’re looking for a place to get some work done outside of your home or office, visit one of our many study rooms on campus where there is no noise and plenty of space.
7) Print, Copy, and Scan
The library is a resource that you can use to do more than just borrow books. You can print, copy, and scan various items while at the library.
Whether you need a copy of your transcript or an important document from home, you can go in, make copies and even scan documents for free.
For example, if you want to get ahead on your homework and don’t have access to a printer at home, you can make copies of textbooks that are available at the library.
The scanning feature is also helpful if you’re trying to preserve old family photos before they deteriorate any further.
If you have an interview coming up, then this would be the perfect time to head over to the library where scanners are available for public use so that you can quickly prepare for it.
8) Get a Passport
If you don’t already have a passport, it’s worth going to the library and getting one. You can get a passport at most public libraries in just one day, and they’re free.
Just bring your driver’s license or other form of photo ID, as well as two different proofs of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship).
9) Take a Class
In addition to borrowing books, you can take a class at your local library. Some libraries offer programs like literacy classes, computer literacy courses, and cooking lessons.
A number of libraries now offer art classes for all ages. Take Advantage of Study Rooms; With study rooms in most public libraries these days, it’s easier than ever to find a quiet place to do homework or work on a project.
10) Donate
The library is a great place for people to donate their old clothes, books, and other items.
By donating your unwanted items, you’re giving them a new life with someone else that might not have had the opportunity otherwise.
Furthermore, by donating your stuff, you’ll be removing clutter from your home and freeing up space for something new.
